The "Important" Stuff
Grading in this course will be based on the following criteria:
- Problem Sets: (40%)
- Electromagnetic theory
is notoriously challenging, in part because of the mathematical rigor
and in part because it can be very abstract. Since you have probably
(unless you are an electronics buff) applied electromagnetic theory
on a daily basis, you probably have not developed an intuitive feel
for solving the problems that come up in electromagnetism. The
assigned problem sets are crucial to developing your mathematical skills
and electromagnetic intuition. I encourage you to exert all reasonable
efforts in tackling the problem sets I assign and maybe a few additional
Griffiths problems in preparing for exams. You must be clear
about your line of thinking and show not only mathematics, but write
out your reasoning. Full credit on problem sets will
only be given to students who clearly show me not only their mathematical
approach to the answer, but clearly state their reasoning.
- I will provide solutions to all the problem sets shortly after they are turned in.
- ON COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS: You may work together
to check each other’s work. However, the work you
present must be your own. You will get little out of
the problem sets if you just copy someone else’s solutions. To
avoid the appearance of plagiarism, I would also strongly suggest you
state clearly if you work with someone on your homework.
- In Class Activities: (10%)
- I will try to provide
some in class activities during some of the lectures in order to provide
something more entertaining than my voice. Participation in these
activities will be rewarded. OK, I spent too much time developing
lectures this first time around. There were no real "graded" in class
activities, so I considered the "midterm reviews" with me to be these
activities.
- Exams: (15% for each midterm, 20% for final)
- There will be two mid-term exams during the semester in addition to the final exam. Study Guides showing the list of topics covered or each exam will be provided.
Grade Assessment
Final grades will be assigned on the scale below; plusses and
minuses will be used.
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
≥90% |
80%-90% |
65%-79.9% |
50%-64.9% |
<50% |
Academic Honesty
From the Student handbook (online):
The University expects all students to represent themselves in an honest fashion. In academic work, students are expected to present original ideas and give credit for the ideas of others. The value of a college degree depends on the integrity of the work completed by the student. When an instructor has convincing evidence of cheating or plagiarism, the following actions may be taken: assign a failing grade for the course in which the student cheated or instructors may choose to report the offense, the evidence, and their action to the Dean of their college or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the instructor (or any other person) feels the seriousness of the offense warrants additional action, the incident may be reported to the Student Conduct Committee through the Student Support Services Office. The Student Conduct Committee will follow procedures set out in the Student Conduct Code. After its review of the case and a fair, unbiased hearing, the Student Conduct Committee may take disciplinary action if the student is found responsible (see Student Conduct Code for details).
A student who has a course grade reduced by an instructor because of cheating or plagiarism, and who disputes the instructor’s finding, may appeal the grade, but only by using the Grade Appeal Policy, which states that the student must prove the grade was arbitrary, prejudicial, or in error.
In this course, all instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of the College of Social and Natural Sciences for informational purposes. Any academic dishonesty believed to be intentional will result in a failing grade for the entire course.
Special Accommodations
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.